VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2
SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2011
THE SPARTAN VOICE
WICHITA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL
DIGITAL EDITION:WWW.THESPARTANVOICE.BLOGSPOT.COM
A Moment with Mike Pompeo
Spartan Voices
Interviewed By Parth Khare Earlier this week, I had the honor to interview Republican Congressman Mike Pompeo. As I interview him, I had the opportunity to learn about his campaign, and what he strive for the Amrican people. While speaking to him, he expressed that the key thing in life is to work hard and pursue what you love. These are a few of the questions asked that day: Question: What inspired you to switch from a successful career as a lawyer with Williams & Connolly, as the founder of Nex-Tech Aerospace, and the President of Sentry International, to a politician? Senior Hayley Cusick owns the night at the B2SB! Response: The government was getting to big and as the owner of two small business, I saw this as a thing that must be immediately fixed. Question: In a Washington Post article dated March 20, you said you had seen how the government can crush entrepreneurism. Can you elaborate not a federal one, but it there is certainly a federal your point? impact. The most important thing that impacts Response: The government makes it difficult for healthcare access for folks who aren’t rich is, affordable small business by imposing lots of health care and their families being able to have folks taxes and other things that make it hard who are employed. We are working hard to try and for the business to operate. reduce the cost of healthcare and to get folks back to Question: What do you believe is going to be the work. If you do those two things, they attract very biggest challenge for the youth of closely; low unemployment and higher healthcare.” tomorrow? Question: 67 percent of public school eighth graders are unable to Response: (With a slight pause) “ I think it is no read at their level and 61 percent are not able to do math different than anyplace else. I think, at their grade level. What is your view on this? How can folks your age, The most important this be fixed? thing that they can do is work hard and Response: “ Education is quintessentially the rule of parents, study, find things that they love, and teachers, and principals. It is more of a state level pursue those passions. And if they can problem than a federal one. But it is a greater problem in get their barriers out of their ways, the minority community and even worse in the African they can have a successful life.” American community and that is something that is not Question: According to Childs Defense Fund 9.2 right. We have got to restore families who is got percent of the children in Kansas lack everyone understanding the importance of education. health insurance. What action is being You clearly do. If we do those things and we give taken for these children? control back to teachers and to principals, I think our Response: Nodding, he nonchalantly said, “Yeah. education standard will improve.” Often healthcare is a state level issue,
A Moment with Mike Pompeo cont. Question: As per latest census, 46 million of Americans live in poverty. It is the highest number in 52 years. Why is a once superpower slipping into poverty? Response: “Yeah um, my judgment.. This is why I ran for Congress. You literally won’t believe that we create wealth and get folks out of poverty by creating and environment where we reward out people who work hard, who creating jobs and wealth, and we have a virtuous cycle: If people have jobs, they will give to charities. All of these things are things that can impact the poverty level. Its (stuttering) no coincidence to me that as our government has grown that we put more people in a state of dependency, that our poverty rates have increased as well.” Question: You voted yes to increase the debt ceiling. How does increasing the debt ceiling help the citizens of Kansas and the United States? Response: “It doesn’t. That piece of legislature did a lot of things, one of which was pay for bills that had been incurred over the last thirty years. The debt ceiling is nothing more than acknowledging that we had spent too much money for an awful long time. What that piece of legislation did do, the reason I voted for it, is it Miss an issue ? reduced spending by two and a half trillion dollars over the next decade. And for Find us online! me, that was really, really, really important. It is the reason I took this task on.” Question: Do you regret any of your political decisions? If yes what would they be? like us on Response: “No, I don’t think so. I don’t look back on anything that I have done and say, “ facebook Gosh I wish I had done this differently,” I have only been doing it for 9 months so spartanvoice it could happen. (Chuckle) Look we are human, we all work hard sometimes don’t get it right. I spend a lot of time, I will all day today, listening to folks and spartanvoice. understand what is impacting them, their families, and their lives as Kansan, and I blogspot.com learn, because when you learn thing you say, “Ok. We didn’t get that quite right, then you approve it.” wcsvoice@twitter Question: What do you have to say to the teens of Wichita? Response: “Get a good education. Work Hard. Those are the two most important things they can, both for themselves and for the country.” Question: What do you foresee for the next generation? Response: “You know, if we don’t switch course of America, I see it being a real challenge, high, high tax rates and way too high of unemployment. If we do, go back to where America was not to terribly long ago, I see tremendous opportunity. I think we will do it. I think as a nation that is the direction we will go.”
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Homecoming Headache? By Jake Barrett Yes, the question that every guy dreads asking, and every girl hopes to be asked. Many people have been asked already, and a sickening number have been declined. If the only thing that Homecoming is for is to have fun, why is the Homecoming season so full of drama, stress, and anxiety? Take my word for it girls, asking somebody to homecoming is actually a lot more difficult than it seems. It practically feels like a statistics class between thinking of somebody to ask, finding a good way to ask, and asking at the right time, all of this before the person you’re going to ask gets asked. As a guy, you need to have a plan, and Excellence in Motion! J.D.! then a backup plan. I’ve known people to go through four or five backup plans before getting a date because they have either been Whatever you do, DON’T tell them that you’re waiting turned down or the girl they were going to for somebody else to ask you because that just comes ask has already been asked, multiple times. off as “I want somebody better than you.” Lastly, To the guys, go for it. Think of a fun way to don’t say “no” to somebody because he isn’t “cool” or ask and do it. Don’t over think anything. The “popular” enough. Basically, the only factor that whole idea is to ask somebody that you’ll have matters is the amount of fun you’ll have. If you’re fun with. Don’t worry about popularity friends with the guy who asks you, say yes. But please because if you don’t know that super don’t say no to somebody after you say yes because attractive girl that you asked, it will most that is just a horrible confidence drain on the guy, not likely be pretty awkward. Ask one of your to mention that they have to start all over in their friends and enjoy the dance. Most plans to ask a girl (and their backups have probably importantly, remember that you don’t have to already been asked while they thought they were stay with them the whole dance. You just safe). The best advice I can give, and that I have been have dinner and a couple slow dances. Also, stressing throughout the article, is to have fun. You BE CREATIVE when you ask. Girls love it don’t have to date the person that you ask, or are when they are asked in a clever or cute way, asked by. Guys, don’t stress about who you ask, and and it can’t hurt your chances either. The girls, if you make yourself approachable, you’ll be asked. idea is to have fun, so relax and do it. Guys, don’t be mad if you are rejected, after all, it’s Now for the girls, please know that if better to have asked and been declined somebody is asking you to homecoming, it (GRACIOUSLY) than to have never asked at all. does not mean that they want to marry you. They think you’ll have a fun time together Girls, say yes if you’ll have a good time with him, (probably) and that should be enough to say and if not, decline the offer GRACIOUSLY. So my “yes.” If you don’t think you’ll have a good parting advice is this, “Have fun.” time, just tell him that you think it would be better if he asked somebody else, or suggest somebody else who they should ask. The goal is to graciously decline.
Homecoming Horoscopes: * = bad ** = okay *** = average **** = good ***** = best Pisces: **** Feb 19 – March 20 Guys & Girls: You’ll have a great time at the homecoming dance, don’t worry about the details and enjoy yourself. Sing, dance, and lose your inhibitions.
Aries: ** Mar 21 – Apr 19
Capricorn: *** Dec 22 – Jan 19 Guys: Be careful when you eat. Spilling food all over yourself is very likely in the days headed toward homecoming, and it won’t help your chances of getting a date. Girls: You’ll find some money on the floor, but then misplace it before you can spend it.
Guys: You’ll get in a fight about who to ask to homecoming with one of your friends… Avoid this conflict at all costs and fill in the blank: bro’s before ______ Girls: You’ll be stressed about getting
Aquarius: *** Jan 20 – Feb 18
asked, drop hints for guys to take. Guys
Guys: I would think about asking somebody to homecoming ASAP. You might
like directness also. Don’t be shy,
want to ask that girl you’ve been thinking about before somebody else does.
shyness and inapproachability leads to
Girls: Pick out your homecoming dress NOW if you haven’t already. You may
loneliness.
not get a very good one if you don’t.
Taurus: **** Apr 20 – May 20 Guys & Girls: You’ll be successful in all your sporting ventures. Have a good homecoming game!
Gemini: **** or ** May 21 - June 20 Guys & Girls: If you aren’t a freshman, your homecoming float will look great.
Cancer: ** June 21 – July 22 Guys: You’ll lose your wallet the day before homecoming, then find it an hour before you leave Girls: You’ll get sick exactly seven days from reading this (SEVEN DAYS), but then be sick for only one.
Leo: *** July 23 – Aug 22
Junior Tollie Rupe dons Patriotic garb at the last home game . . .
Guys: You may think you sing well, but please leave the singing at the dance to the artists, unless, of course, you don’t care. Girls: Don’t be afraid to sing to the songs at the dance, most likely you’ll be better than the guys. cont. pg. 6
An Interview with Senior Grace LeMaster. By: Perri Fisher Q. What are you most excited about this year?
For the past three years, students at Wichita Collegiate have seen plentiful opportunities for youthful Republicans to establish haphazard thinking in large proportions. Collegiate’s Young Republicans occasionally misguide fellow classmates and brainwash incoming freshman,
A. I’m most excited about cherishing one last year with all my friends in the senior class, and making a decision on where I will be attending college! Q. What are you least excited about? A. Second semester and being motivated to finish out strong. Q. What is your biggest pet peeve? A. When people hold their nose when they jump into the pool. It kills me every time I’m on the stand lifeguarding at work...I’m tempted to blow my whistle at them.
which can be irritating to cerebral schoolmates. The Young Republicans Club has approximately Q. What is your favorite song? twenty to thirty members, however there are only about ten active members. The club participates A. Love Like Crazy-Lee Brice. in campaigns for local Republicans, host debates, Q. If you could have any job in the world, what would it and does some community work. However, there is now “hope” at Collegiate. A brave student took a stand by demanding equality and announcing the launch of the Young Democrats Club. Micah Watson, Collegiate sophomore, ventured where no other Collegiate student dared to journey and now Collegiate students can expect a renewed freedom for the examination our Nation’s current condition with a dependable attitude. Micah and others saw the underground yearning for a progressive group at Collegiate to challenge the often conservative and reactionary members of the Young Republicans Club and now Collegiate students now have an outlet for unbiased and advanced conversation about political hot topics. So, for all the unconscious Brownbackistan citizens out there, just so you know, Young Democrats will now be convening monthly and offer a safe place to take shelter from the ignorance…..We have snacks too! By Bell Schwartz.
be?
A. An ice cream sampler. Q. If you were an animal, what would you be? A. A Lioness. Q. Favorite fast food? A. Popeyes. Q. What’s your favorite movie? A. All time favorite movie would have to be The Parent Trap. Q. Where are you thinking about applying to for college? A. KU, OSU, KSU, TCU and possibly Ole Miss. Q. Favorite celebrity? A. Bradley Cooper or Jennifer Aniston. Q. Are you fan of Justin Bieber? Why or why not? A. I don’t have beiber-fever but I like his music...some of it. Q. What’s your favorite reality TV show? A. Pretty Little Liars. Q. What’s your favorite food to eat at Sage? A. The tilapia.
Homecoming Week
Virgo: * Aug 23 – Sept 22
October 3- October 8.
Guys: You are doomed to throw up on homecoming night… from what, I am uncertain.
COLOR DAY Seniors
BLACK BLUE
Sophomores
Juniors
B Sophomores T
WHITE PINK
Girls: You will accidentally burp when somebody asks you to homecoming, my advice: stay away from soda for awhile
Freshmen
LETTER DAY Seniors
Homecoming Horoscopes cont .
Libra: ***** Sept 23 – Oct 22
S Freshman F
Juniors
Guys and Girls: You will have the best homecoming experience of all, probably because your birthday is so close to homecoming (psshhh the fact that I’m a Libra has nothing to do with this….)
Scorpio: ** or ****Oct 23 – Nov 21
PAPER TWEET:
Guys: Watch what you say, you’ll make a comment that somebody will take in the wrong way and be offended. Make amends quickly. Girls: You will become best friends with somebody in the next couple of weeks… good for you.
Featuring Coach Fiegel. By Jake Barrett Q: What is your favorite homecoming memory of all time? A : I gotta say that my favorite homecoming memory is the flaming homecoming float blazing down the track. That will forever be my favorite homecoming memory..
Saggitarius: **** Nov 22 – Dec 21 Guys: You will show off in the coming weeks to homecoming and be admired by some girls… and disliked by some guys. Girls: You’ll get asked to homecoming in a very cute way, if it goes as planned by the guy.
COLLEGE ANYONE?
September 28@ WCS! Tufts University is a premier, private University near Boston, Mass. Tufts is a major research University with the feel of a small liberal arts school! Mrs Shamas: “This is kind of a big deal.”
Collegiate Prepares for Technological Advancement By Elly Vosburgh
About five years ago, the administration began researching how to educate and prepare students for the future of technology. The administration read books, listened to speakers, and went to national and even international conferences. They wanted to start immediately, but the first step began with the “Tech Committee” (Mrs. Cusick, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Davis, computer teachers) getting new computers. Last year, the middles school and upper school teachers got new tablets in order to get used to using them and put their lessons into a digital format. This also gives teachers the opportunity to practice using the new software with the students. The lower school and early childhood teachers received new laptops, so teachers are now able to take their computers home with them. Next year, all upper and middle school students will use a tablet. The decision of what tablet computers to use for students will be made final in December in order to find the best tablet for the lowest price. Students will be able to purchase or lease a tablet with programs already installed. The rest of this year will be spent getting students and parents. After visiting other schools with similar technology, it was clear that a laptop for each student allowed students and teachers to do so much more. Several advantages became apparent after these visits. Students are able to turn in assignments digitally, while the teachers can grade and return them to students digitally. Students can take notes by typing or writing on the tablet. The tablet feature will be useful for math, so students are still able to work out problems by hand. Each student utilizes their tablet differently. These tablets attend to the personal learning styles of each student. As far as group projects go, using tablets was found to be more efficient. Group members don’t have to be together to work, they can simply share information via tablets. Students that have used tablets say that this method helps everyone to contribute more. Using this technology gives teachers the ability to engage students beyond what has been done before. The goal is to transform learning in the classroom, engage students more, and make sure every student is digitally literate and ready for future innovation in technology.
Sambrosian Musings . . . . Unfortunately, the eighth season of The Office starts tonight. This marks the fourth declining season of the show. Many believe that the show should have ended long ago but many still desperately hold on to the dying show, “I still like the show, but everyone makes fun of me, oh well”, says Senior Edgar Corrigan. I was once like Edgar, a fan clutching onto everything that The Office meant to me in the past, a witty and touching series that in its prime that was unparalleled. Unfortunately it has outlived its former glory; unlike the UK series, also wildly successful, which ended conclusively after the second Season, the office wont seem to end. The convention in American television production bleeds any successful series until it is no longer financially viable, pressuring writers to produce more and more, and limits creativity. If you are a true fan of The Office, I recommend that you do not watch a single episode of season 8 and eventually buy the DVD’s if you truly want to see the train-wreck that The Office season 8 will be. Hopefully the lack of viewership will finally kill the show, and the creative talent will be liberated to finally move on and perhaps create a show that will once again inspire its audience.
Stylin’ Spartans! By Wynn Hykle
Dance Team, Get it Girls . . . . ! By Christi Peterson
While traveling, a common irritation most Kansans face is after being asked where they are from, almost inevitably people will conjure up some sort of Wizard of Oz joke, or find it incredulous that we as Kansans do indeed have Starbucks and wifi. Another common misconception is that because someone is from Kansas that the only thing they have their wardrobe is overalls and crocs. If they only knew! This false impression would vanish if people had a chance to see the way our students, who indeed live in Wichita, present themselves every single day. Despite the strict dress code regulations, both the boys and girls at Collegiate look polished and fashionable every single day. The interest in fashion is evident. There is an abundance of elegant handbags, chic day-dresses, and pumps so tall that the average person would get a nosebleed. Even a few Hermés bangle bracelets have been spotted jangling around on some very refined wrists . These are some girls who are in-the-know! The girls feel comfortable expressing themselves with their fashion choices, dressing in styles that can range from bohemian maxi dresses to dark and fitted pants paired with wedges or heels. The fact that these girls are stylish does not mean that they always break the bank to stay au’ courant. Many of them indulge on their statement bags and shoes, and build up a wardrobe of versatile basics. A number of girls from Collegiate were recently seen sporting pieces from the highly sought-after Missoni for Target line. In fact, this limited-edition line was so hot that fashionistas across the country waited in line and even managed to crash Target’s website from the amount of user traffic. I mean, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do! The boys continue to impress with their wayfarers and modern prep style. They have successfully avoided monotony by often choosing daring brights that add a burst of enthusiasm to a template that could be a little dull without their creativity. Also some of the young men are comfortable occasionally sporting cardigans overt their dress shirts, which looks incredibly refined and attractive. One last thing to note is Spartan spirit Fridays. Almost each and every student contributes to the school spirit by wearing their Spartan gear. This really unites the student body and it is fantastic to see a school so collaborated. The only thing better than comfortable shoes and casual Friday is the school spirit that inspires it.
Being on the dance team is a great way to get plugged into a high school. Participating on any team helps one meet people from all grades. Also, dancing in particular helps one be active and get exercise all year round. Tryouts for dance are in the spring after football and basketball season are over. Practices are held for three days and then tryout on another day. The captains will teach a typical dance routine with jazz, hip-hop, pom and a kick line section. Two of these sections are taught on the first day and two more on the second. On the third day, one will practice the routine just taught. As a member of the squad I practiced more than I ever have on the day before the tryout. However, everyone gets nervous no matter how much they dance. This year six freshman made the team, so it can happen! In the summer the team went to a four day dance camp at OU. We danced from 9.00am to 10.00pm. These camps also have lots of competitions and this year the dance team won the “Technical Award” for a dance brought to camp presented well with accurate and different steps. The camp was a great way for our team to bond and grow closer together. During the year, dance team practices Monday through Friday every week. Since there are home football games every other week, screening takes place every other week. Screening is when two girls perform the dance for the captains and the coach, and the based on their performance, the captains decide whether each girl will be able to dance at the game. If a girl “Screens Out” there is a second screening to see if she really will not be dancing. In basketball season there are many home games so screening is quite often. Dance teams have to learn dances really fast and screening puts a lot of pressure on the dancer to do their best. I asked Captain Lindsay Wells a couple of questions about Dance Team. How many dances she have you done in the past four years? Too many to count. Is it fun having six new freshman on the team? Yes! In the past we only had one or two. It is a lot of work, but fun. What is your opinion about having turf instead of grass? I think I am going to like it a lot better, it is flat and not muddy.
AMERICAN SWEETHEARTS The American Sweetheart Association is an exclusive association where girls raise money for a great cause; heart disease (which is the number one death causing disease for women). This program is designed to teach the girls about heart healthy lifestyles and the prevention of heart disease through the program’s education and volunteering. Some of their fundraising include selling roses, pledges, silent auctions, and live auctions. All of the money earned during these fundraisers goes directly to Heart Disease prevention. The biggest part of their fundraising is the Heart Ball (coming soon) which is an event where people auction for items and watch the ladies graciously walk in their dresses. Everyone is welcome to the Heart Ball, so come out and support the Sweethearts! The girls participating in this association from Apple announced its next great Collegiate include: Maddie Janzen, Jennifer Mattar, Abby Boyd, Kaylea Knappenberger, and media day this week, an event Sarah Dorsett. scheduled for October 4th. This is
an important date for many reasons. With the recent resignation of the legendary Steve jobs, October 4th marks the first media event that the newly appointed CEO Tim Cook will When they give up their spots next year, they would give it to... Sarah Dorsett: “Gabby McFarland or Kara Maloney because they are really sweet people and I host. Apple also plans to unveil think that they would be good sweethearts and represent the Collegiate community well.” the design of the highly Maddie Janzen: “Undecided.” anticipated iPhone 5. The iPhone Abby Boyd: “Kara Maloney because she’s like my little sister!” 5 is one of the most anticipated Kaylea Knappenberger: “I don’t really know the freshmen that well.. but.. Gabby Estivo’s pretty technological releases of all time, cool.” and its undisclosed design has millions of people worldwide Interview: Former Sweetheart Experience with Wynn Hukle excited. Some unconfirmed reports claim that the iPhone 5 Spartan Voice: What do you like about the American Sweetheart Association? will contain a brilliant 8Wynn Hukle: What I liked about the ASA was getting to see my friends that I had met from megapixel camera along with a others school involved in something we could all do together to help better our community. SV: Is there anything you dislike about the ASA? savvy A5 dual-core processor. If WH: The Heart Ball itself, was a little painful as far as fundraising goes. the phone does contain a 8SV: Why? megapixel camera it would be a WH: Because we were in a recession! large improvement from the SV: You seem like you really hate the ASA. Why? 5-megapixel camera of the iPhone WH: Although it was for a good cause, we had a lot of fundraising to do that seemed like it 4. More reports claim that the overshadowed the event itself to the point where being a debutant wasn’t fun anymore. new phone will have largely the SV: What exactly do you do in this association? same design of the iPhone 4. WH: What you do is you go around Wichita to places like the Children’s home and the Heart Sprint, America’s third largest Association and help kids in need by giving them a little attention and spending time with them. Oh and you learn to do CPR, take an etiquette class at the Wichita Country Club and also mobile carrier, will carry the have an opportunity to meet Bonnie Bing who is a columnists for the Wichita Eagle. She is my iPhone 5. Sprint will begin to idol. Meeting her was one of the ultimate highlights. carry the iPhone 5 in midSV: There are a lot of new sophomore girls this year that are in the ASA. Any tips for them? October, and will offer an WH: My tips would be to go in with an open mind and enjoy meeting the girls that are involved unlimited data plan. Reports in it too, because they’re great girls and you will learn life skills. earlier this year suggested that the SV: On a closing note, any last things you want to mention? iPhone 5 would be carried by TWH: It supports a great cause. Heart disease is the number one killer of women around Mobile. These reports were America so it’s a really good thing to raise awareness to the public. recently denied by the head of TMobile. By Diana Kim By Edgar Corrigan 2011-2012 Sweethearts would like to mention... Maddie Janzen: “This all is for a great cause and I’m honored to be involved. Um, everybody come to the heart ball, it’s only $10,000 for a table!” Abby Boyd: “I encourage people to come to the ball to support a great association.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE (REVISITED) By Rob Egan My freshman year, I wrote an article called “A Day in the Life”, in an attempt to let the WCS community let go of some fears about how to act around people with disabilities. If I pulled the article up, I know I’d find things like “You should offer assistance opening heavy doors.” That statement is still true. However, as time has progressed, my needs have changed, and, if there are WCS students with disabilities in the future, we must remember that everyone has a different set of needs and abilities. The first thing I think is really important for people to remember: Every single human being on the planet Earth has some sort of disability. There is something out there that you can not do, but someone else can. It’s life. But some people’s disabilities are more evident than others. Thing two for you to remember is that if we need help, we should (and probably will) ask for it. If you see someone struggling with something, please offer help. That is a very important fact for you to remember. Thing three for you to remember is that people with disabilities are just as much of a person as you are. And, therefore, we like to be treated just like you would treat any other friend. I was recently given a t-shirt that says “Disable the Label” on the front. All that means is that we don’t see ourselves as having a disability, so neither should you! My final piece of advice would be that if you have a question, ask! Our disability is part of us, and we aren’t ashamed to talk about it. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. So, my challenge to you is this: Step up, ask, and don’t be afraid if your terms aren’t correct. That is easily changed with time. So, who will be the first brave soldier? We shall see.
THE SPARTAN VOICE ACCEPTS THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES: The Spartan Voice is a newspaper operated by students at Wichita Collegiate School. Content in the Voice will consist of articles, editorials, letters, and any other material pertaining to the Wichita Collegiate community. The Spartan Voice was founded in the principle that all students should have an equal opportunity to share their opinion in an open, unbiased forum of discussion.
Students, faculty, administrators, and parents make up the four fundamental parts of the Wichita Collegiate community. Although controversial subjects maybe featured in The Voice, no part of the community will be discriminated against. The views expressed in printed material do not necessarily represent the views of The Spartan Voice or Wichita Collegiate School.
SPARTAN VOICE STAFF
Serjay Sambros, Editor
Wynn Hukle, Jake Barrett,
Edgar Corrigan, James Engel, Andrew Feist, Perri Fisher, Bell Schwartz, Elly Vosburgh, Riley Kemmer, Parth Khare, Christi Peterson, Kara Maloney,
14 Days Until Homecoming . . .
spartan FOOTBALL
PREPPY TONIGHT